The Devil Problem: And Other True Stories

The Devil Problem collects fourteen pieces of literary journalism from David Remnick's work at The Washington Post and The New Yorker. These reported stories span the late 1980s through mid-1990s, covering subjects from Soviet-era politics to American culture and entertainment. Each piece provides an intimate view of its subject through Remnick's direct reporting and extensive access to key figures. The profiles include Gary Hart during his presidential campaign collapse, Ralph Ellison in his later years, and several Russian politicians during the fall of the Soviet Union. The collection demonstrates Remnick's trademark style of combining historical context with present-day observation. His accounts move between detailed scenes and broader analysis, placing personal stories within their larger cultural and political frameworks. The book reveals how individual human experiences intersect with moments of societal transformation. Through these varied profiles and investigations, Remnick examines how people navigate times of personal and institutional upheaval.

Readers appreciate Remnick's reporting depth and attention to detail across the diverse profiles and essays. Several reviewers note his skill at weaving historical context with current events, particularly in pieces about Russia and boxing. What readers liked: - Clear, engaging writing style - Balance of serious journalism with lighter cultural pieces - Strong character development in profiles What readers disliked: - Some essays feel dated - Collection lacks a cohesive thread - A few readers found certain pieces too long Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (48 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 reviews) One Amazon reviewer wrote: "Remnick has an eye for the telling detail and ear for the revealing quote." A Goodreads reviewer noted: "The Gary Hart piece was worth the price of the book." A minority of readers criticized the book's organization, with one stating: "The essays jump around in topic and time period without clear connection."

The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean This investigative work follows eccentric personalities in Florida's orchid-collecting underworld through detailed character studies and cultural observations.

The World in Six Songs by Daniel J. Levitin The book presents scientific research and historical accounts to explain how music shaped human society and evolution.

The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup by Susan Orlean These collected profiles examine extraordinary individuals in ordinary circumstances through deep reporting and cultural analysis.

Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc This decade-long study follows Bronx families through their daily struggles, capturing intimate moments and societal forces that shape their lives.

Among the Thugs by Bill Buford The narrative chronicles the author's immersion in English football hooliganism culture while examining group behavior and social dynamics.

🔹 The book's author, David Remnick, became editor of The New Yorker magazine in 1998 and has led the publication through the digital age while maintaining its reputation for literary excellence. 🔹 Before writing this collection of journalistic profiles, Remnick won the Pulitzer Prize for his book "Lenin's Tomb," which chronicled the collapse of the Soviet Union. 🔹 Many of the profiles featured in the book originally appeared in The New Yorker, showcasing Remnick's trademark style of combining deep reporting with literary flair. 🔹 The book includes an intimate portrait of Gary Hart's failed presidential campaign, capturing the exact moment when personal scandal began to play a defining role in American political coverage. 🔹 The title essay, "The Devil Problem," explores Václav Havel's transition from dissident playwright to president of Czechoslovakia, examining how an intellectual adapts to wielding real political power.